The BEMA Podcast

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings try to evaluate the great takeaways from this five-session journey through the Bible and the world of faith, talking about “The Four Pillars of BEMA” and imagining a world that returns to partake in some of the same things those early followers did thousands of years ago.Discussion Video for BEMA 203Out of Babylon by Walter Brueggemann“Time in Babylon” by Emmylou Harris — YouTubeTranscript for BEMA 203Support The BEMA Podcast

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings bring the story to our current day, seeing what this last century has done to the world of faith that we call our own. What is Christian fundamentalism and where did it come from? And how does evangelicalism fit into all of this? As believers, we make many assumptions about the world around us, but knowing why it exists is often helpful in accepting what it is.AD 1925 to Today PresentationDiscussion Video for BEMA 202“Jacob Neusner, Judaic Scholar Who Forged Interfaith Bonds, Dies at 84” — The New York TimesJacob Neusner — WikipediaTranscript for BEMA 202Support The BEMA Podcast

Delve into the fascinating aftermath of the French Revolution and its impact on Christianity. Discover how the Second Great Awakening blossomed in response to cultural shifts. Explore the rise of Pentecostalism and the Stone-Campbell Movement, striving for unity among denominations. Key figures like Ellen G. White challenge traditional narratives. Uncover the spiritual independence of movements like Mormonism and Jehovah's Witnesses. Finally, witness how cultural diversity reshaped Christian thought amidst scientific and political pressures.

Dive into the transformative journey from the Reformation to the Age of Enlightenment! Discover the groundbreaking contributions of figures like Newton and Locke that shaped modern science and political thought. Uncover the emergence of new Christian movements, particularly Methodism, and the influence of Enlightenment thinkers advocating for religious freedom. Explore Voltaire’s legacy on church-state separation and the cultural shifts that paved the way for the French Revolution. Plus, enjoy insights on the evolution of first-century Judaism to contemporary reflections!

A transformative century from 1550 to 1650 marks incredible change and the birth of the Reformation. You’ll learn about John Knox's pivotal role in Presbyterian governance and how Copernicus's challenging ideas reshaped thought. The podcast dives into Blaise Pascal's contributions to science and theology, revealing the interaction of Catholic and Protestant thought. Additionally, it examines the church's influence on culture and the hurdles faced by Protestant reformers, encouraging modern reflections on faith and society.

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings journey from the Crusades and head toward the Protestant Reformation—but on the way, it is good to recognize some names that are often underappreciated. These figures truly paved the way for some of the formative changes coming to Christendom.AD 1300–1550 PresentationDiscussion Video for BEMA 198Transcript for BEMA 198Support The BEMA Podcast

Explore a dark chapter in Christian history marked by the East-West church divide and challenges to papal power. Discover the significance of historical accountability in faith through a unique concept of 'reverse confessional.' Delve into contrasting Jewish and Christian narratives and the complexities of Islamic factions during the Crusades. Examine how warfare influenced the rise of scholasticism and the establishment of medieval universities, highlighting Thomas Aquinas' pivotal role in transforming education and Christian thought.

Charlemagne, a pivotal figure in the development of Western Europe, joins Marty Solomon and Brent Billings as they explore the intricate dynamics of the East-West Schism. They discuss the historical tensions between Eastern and Western Christianity, emphasizing the differing reliance on texts versus icons. The conversation also delves into the gradual evolution leading to the Great Schism of 1054 and reflects on the complex interplay between church and state during Christendom. Throughout, they share insights on interpreting Christianity's rich history with personal reflections.

Delve into the transformation of the Roman Empire as it shifts to a religious state, showcasing the rise of early Christianity. Discover the intertwining of the Byzantine Empire with monastic movements, along with the darker facets of persecution. Uncover how monks preserved Christian texts during medieval upheavals, influenced by figures like Gregory the Great. Finally, explore the resilience of faith, highlighting the enduring spirit of believers despite historical hardships.

Dive into the 4th and 5th centuries, where Christendom takes shape amid political power plays. Discover Constantine's pivotal role in legalizing Christianity, allowing theological debates to flourish. Explore how Gentile inclusion transformed early Christian identity, raising deep philosophical questions. The emergence of ecumenical councils leads to critical discussions on Christ's nature. Finally, witness the decline of orthodoxy and the fall of the Roman Empire, setting the stage for the Byzantine rise.